How school zones affect property prices

When searching for a new property, there are countless factors to weigh – location, amenities, and perhaps even space for a man cave. However, one often-overlooked consideration, especially for those without school-aged children, is the significant impact school zoning can have on property values.

School zones are boundaries established by the education department, determining the catchment area from which a school accepts its students. Children living within these zones are guaranteed admission, while those outside the boundary may face an uphill battle to secure a spot. Exceptions can sometimes be made for reasons like having siblings already enrolled or accessing specialized programs, but these cases are not always approved.

Strict adherence to zoning regulations is crucial for many schools, as their eligibility for funding can depend on how well they manage student numbers within their zone. This is especially true in areas experiencing high-density redevelopment, where single homes are replaced by multiple townhouses, significantly increasing the local population. Even with tight zoning restrictions, some schools are pushed to their limits, operating at or beyond capacity.

Given that elite private schools can cost parents upwards of $30,000 per year, per child, it’s easy to see why high-performing public schools are so desirable. Many families are willing to pay a premium—sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars—to secure a home within the catchment area of a top-ranking school. It’s a logical decision when you consider the alternative. By the time a child graduates from Year 12, the cumulative cost of private education, including fees, uniforms, and other expenses, can exceed half a million dollars. That’s money that could otherwise be invested in a home or paying down a mortgage.

In some neighborhoods, the academic performance of leading public schools even surpasses that of nearby private institutions. This makes the decision to prioritize school zoning when buying a property not just a financially savvy choice but also an investment in your child’s future. After all, a home within a sought-after school zone can offer long-term benefits—from quality education to strong property value growth.